Podcast Summary: The Best People with Nicolle Wallace Episode: Sarah Jessica Parker: “I Always Just Believed in Us”
Release Date: July 7, 2025

In this illuminating episode of "The Best People with Nicolle Wallace," host Nicolle Wallace engages in a heartfelt and thought-provoking conversation with the esteemed actress Sarah Jessica Parker. The discussion delves deep into themes of connection, societal civility, political polarization, and the evolving role of government—all framed through Parker's personal experiences and observations.

1. The Essence of Connection and Friendship

Nicolle Wallace opens the conversation by highlighting Parker's iconic role as Carrie Bradshaw, emphasizing the enduring nature of friendships portrayed in Sex and the City. She remarks:

“The story was about connection... I want to be in the diner with my three best friends telling them anything and everything.”
[02:08]

Sarah Jessica Parker echoes this sentiment, reflecting on the origins of Parker's podcast Just Like That, which emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic as a vessel to recreate the intimate connections of her friendships:

“We were trying to make it feel like we were with our friends. Everybody was missing each other so much...”
[04:30]

2. Navigating the Impact of COVID-19 on Personal Relationships

Parker shares her personal challenges during the pandemic, balancing family life with the sudden proximity to her children and the absence of external social interactions:

“We are living in ways that we were never meant to be... we're missing our friends, our escape...”
[05:54]

She candidly discusses the strain on familial relationships and the yearning for external connections that many felt during lockdowns, underscoring the human need for community beyond the immediate family unit.

3. The Role of Social Media in Modern Civility

Wallace brings attention to Parker's nuanced stance on social media, contrasting it with historical political landscapes:

“Sometimes I say when people are like, you've got to speak up on social media. I was like, FDR was elected without social media.”
[10:05]

Parker critiques the current state of online discourse, emphasizing its role in exacerbating political polarization and diminishing genuine conversations. She reflects on the nostalgic simplicity of past political engagements, where direct interactions were more prevalent:

“We knew our neighbors. My mom would say, you, this is Mrs. So and so... We were still in it.”
[12:56]

4. Political Polarization and Its Societal Consequences

The discussion shifts to the deepening political divides and their tangible impacts on everyday life. Parker expresses concern over the erosion of trust and the increasing suspicion among citizens:

“Everybody looks at each other now with suspicion, concern, hurt, anger... Afraid of conversations.”
[13:40]

She highlights the detrimental effects of such polarization on institutions and public services, lamenting the diminishing respect for government roles that once served as pillars of society:

“Government played a role to protect us... Now it's projected as the evil empire.”
[27:31]

5. The Deterioration of Diplomacy and Public Trust

Parker voices her heartbreak over the decline in diplomatic relations and the public's waning interest in foreign service roles. She reminisces about moments post-9/11, where unity and mutual support were palpable:

“We put all that aside and decided we were gonna be good for each other...”
[34:24]

Her reflections underscore the vital role of diplomacy in maintaining international relationships and the fear that such bonds are weakening irreparably.

6. The Importance of Libraries and Public Services

Both hosts stress the critical role of libraries as sanctuaries of knowledge and community support. Parker poignantly reacts to threats against public institutions:

“I get to libraries, I can barely even say the word without bursting into tears.”
[16:34]

Wallace adds, emphasizing the collective investment in such public goods:

“Libraries are sacred. They are something that people paid into. It's a matter of fairness.”
[16:45]

7. Hope Amidst Uncertainty: The Future of Civility and Governance

Despite the bleak outlook on current societal tensions, Parker remains cautiously optimistic. She envisions a future where civility is restored through collective effort and a recommitment to shared values:

“I have great concerns about Social Security... We can't have the conversations even with our elected officials.”
[16:11]

She fantasizes about a transformative shift that would rejuvenate societal harmony:

“What if we are in this agitated cycle... and we will come out of it with a correction where people feel heard, where differences can exist again...”
[17:15]

8. Balancing Activism with Personal Well-being

Parker touches on the personal toll of activism in a polarized environment. She discusses her selective engagement on social media, choosing to speak out only on issues she feels deeply informed about to avoid misinformation and unproductive conflicts:

“I'm vocal in the ways that I feel comfortable being vocal, informed. So I'm not gonna talk about stuff that I don't feel educated on.”
[39:25]

9. Generational Perspectives and the Role of Youth

The conversation concludes with reflections on the younger generation's resilience and savvy in navigating a complex socio-political landscape. Parker expresses hope that her children and peers will bring fresh perspectives to governance and societal interactions:

“My daughters and your son, there is a little bit of buoyancy about them.”
[28:16]

She underscores the importance of nurturing future leaders who can bridge divides and restore trust in institutions.

Conclusion

Throughout the episode, Sarah Jessica Parker offers a blend of personal anecdotes and broader societal critiques, painting a vivid picture of the challenges and hopes for contemporary society. Nicolle Wallace adeptly guides the conversation, ensuring a rich exploration of themes that resonate deeply in today's divided world. The dialogue underscores the enduring human need for connection, the critical role of public institutions, and the fragile state of civility in modern discourse.

Notable Quotes:

• “I always just believed in us, like, I didn't know any differently.”
  [45:16]

• “We are living in ways that we were never meant to be... we're missing our friends, our escape...”
  [05:54]

• “Everybody looks at each other now with suspicion, concern, hurt, anger... Afraid of conversations.”
  [13:40]

• “Libraries are sacred. They are something that people paid into. It's a matter of fairness.”
  [16:45]

• “What if we are in this agitated cycle... and we will come out of it with a correction where people feel heard, where differences can exist again...”
  [17:15]

Final Thoughts:

This episode serves as a poignant reminder of the intricacies of human relationships and the societal structures that underpin them. Parker's insights, coupled with Wallace's probing questions, offer listeners a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced and the pathways toward a more connected and civil society.